Harden Lake Dam:Old Dallas Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Harden Lake Dam, also known as Old Dallas Dam, is a private dam located in Hardins, North Carolina on the South Fork Catawba River.


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Summary

Built in 1901, this dam serves a primary purpose of hydroelectric power generation, with a structural height of 16 feet and a length of 235 feet. The dam has a normal storage capacity of 164 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 25.6 acres.

While the dam has a low hazard potential, its condition has not been rated as of the last inspection in October 2016. Despite not being state regulated or permitted, the dam is inspected by the state and meets inspection requirements. With a maximum discharge of 743 cubic feet per second, the Harden Lake Dam is an important structure for water resource management and climate enthusiasts interested in the hydroelectric capabilities of the South Fork Catawba River.

Although lacking in detailed risk assessment and emergency preparedness measures, Harden Lake Dam stands as a historical landmark in North Carolina's water infrastructure. With its contribution to hydroelectric power generation and minimal environmental impact, this dam serves as a testament to the early engineering feats of the region and continues to play a vital role in the local water resource management system.

Year Completed

1901

Dam Length

235

River Or Stream

South Fork Catawba River

Primary Dam Type

Other

Surface Area

25.6

Hydraulic Height

16

Drainage Area

328320

Nid Storage

164

Structural Height

16

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

16
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.